Finish with one free play painting using all the combina-
tions of eyes and hands experienced thus far. When you feel done write down a few words about this experience beside the images themselves.
Step 3: Dialogue
Now that you have developed a measure of intimacy with this being you can provide an opportunity to let him/her speak. Here we are opening to alternative ways to know while acknowledging that it is presumptuous to think we can ever speak for another.We are practicing intuitive deep listening. Here are some questions we might ask this being. What nourishes you?What do you nourish? Describe any challenges or threats you may be experiencing at this time on the planet.What do you want me to know about how you are affected by the human world? Since so many threats are caused by humans what wisdom can you offer to help us make necessary changes? Is there anything else you want me to know? Record these answers in the remaining section on your page. Now look at all the images you have created throughout
both the inside-out and outside-in processes.What colours and forms to do see? Do you have any strong likes or dislikes? Are there any overall themes or patterns that draw your
attention? What is the relationship between the being you created with and your personal state? What would strengthen or dampen their presence in your life?What in you needs care and nurturing? Does this being have anything to share about the best way to go about this?What help does this being need
from you? Have fun with this. Maybe poetry will emerge or you will feel compelled to create something in clay or with dirt. Follow where you are led. End the session by showing your gratitude for the time spent creating together. After more than a decade of exploring the practice of
Creative Nature Connection, I’ve concluded that everyone can be touched deeply by this process. When we create directly with animate Earth we feel more alive and appreciate the expressive arts as a powerful bridge between nature and ourselves that opens our hearts and awakens us to the creative language of life. The practice of Creative Nature Connection is one simple rich way to start. The transformation of the human- nature relationship is in our creative hands.
Lisa Lipsett is an artist, author and teacher whose work focuses on the transformation of human-nature relation- ships through the arts. Her book Beauty Muse: Painting in Communion with Nature and her blog The Drive to Create include numerous activities. She lives with her family on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. Learn more at www.
creativebynature.org.
Resources
Lipsett, L. Beauty Muse: Painting in Communion with Nature. Salt Spring Island, BC: Creative by Nature Books, 2009.
Lipsett, L. This Little Bird: An Artful Nature Encounter. Video, 28 minutes, 2010 <
www.creativenatureconnection.com>
Lipsett, L. Making a Creative by Nature folded book. Video, 2010 <
www.creativenatureconnection.com>
Nachmanovich, S. Free Play: Improvisation in Life and Art. Los Angeles: Jeremy P. Tarcher, 1990.
Announcements Have you checked Green Teacher’s
online Announcements section lately? As we go to press, there are over
40 workshops, conferences, bike tours, competitions, and overseas travel opportunities. The listings change every week, so visit often!
2011 Summer Institutes for Educators
Our annual listings are now posted and we’re adding to them daily.
As of early February, you would find details of 39 institutes in 4 Canadian provinces and 15 states.
ARE YOUR EVENTS INCLUDED? If not,
send the details to
info@greenteacher.com at your earliest opportunity.
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